WNYT.com

Glenville Police nab burglary suspect

GLENVILLE – Residents describe the area of Sutherland drive in Glenville as a quiet and friendly community. But the past three months has been anything but quiet.

"In the last few days it felt more like that. People are more afraid. There are bright spotlights going on the front of houses that weren't there before," said Glenville resident Aimee French

There's been a lot of chatter among those who live here about the thief who's been breaking into their homes, during the day, causing many to worry about their safety. Those who had been burglarized felt violated. The others were worried about who'd be next.

"It's been very scary. It's scaring our kids to the point where you don't want to leave your home and you don't want to go to bed," said Valerie Hess who lives two doors down from one of the burglary victims.

Word of an arrest in the case spread quickly. It seemed everyone knew who it was because according to police, she lives on Sutherland Drive. It's the same neighborhood she's accused of burglarizing. Laura Musella, 34, was charged with multiple counts of burglary and grand larceny. Police say she admitted to breaking into nine homes.

"The investigation really heated up over the last month and a half since the beginning of September where we had pretty much a rash of these burglaries occurring," said Glenville Police Lieutenant Stephen Janik

Investigators say it was a crime of opportunity where Musella would ring the door bell, then go to the back of the homes, cut through window screens, crawled in and took whatever she could find to turn into quick cash.

"Property consisting of jewelry, loose change, things of that nature, which are easily pawned for cash," Janik said.

Neighbors are glad she's caught. But they're not going to let their guard down after this experience.

"It's sad that people have to worry. It's sad that there are things like this in this world," French said.

Police are still trying to recover some of the stolen items that they say were pawned for drug money. The investigation is far from over. Police say Musella may have had an accomplice and she may also be facing charges for burglaries in Saratoga County.